Two first-half goals were enough to send Cheltenham crashing out of the LDV Vans
Trophy in the first round at Southend's Roots Hall ground.

Cheltenham made eight changes from the side which beat Barnet 4-3 on Saturday
and were rarely as a consistent threat.

Southend got off to a storming start, forcing four corners in the first seven
minutes as reserve keeper Shane Higgs was forced to make some brave stops.

But it was all to no avail as the home side broke the deadlock after just
eight minutes when Marcus Jones made a hash of a clearance and left Martin
Carruthers clean through and he coolly put away his first goal for seven
matches.

Higgs continued to frustrate the Shrimpers but he was left helpless when
Southend went 2-0 up on 28 minutes.

Visiting defender Bob Bloomer's attempted clearance fell to Ben Abbey who just
fired the ball home from close range.

Cheltenham at last began to come to life and a Michael Jackson effort brought
the best out of Aaron Flahaven on the half-hour.

Cheltenham came out more fired up after the break but despite all their
possession they rarely threatened to break down a rugged Southend back line.

The closest they came was when Jason White collected the ball on the right
side of the area after 56 minutes and clipped in a great effort which Flahaven
kicked onto the crossbar before diving on the loose ball.